Former UGM Student Body Chair Tiyo Ardianto Targeted, Fortuner Linked to Retired TNI General

Former chair of the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Student Executive Board (BEM) Tiyo Ardianto has become a target following his various criticisms of government programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) scheme. One of the points Tiyo criticised concerns alleged links to practical politics. An alliance calling itself BEM Bersatu sees indications of practical political actors’ involvement in the student movement. The alliance highlighted former UGM BEM chair Tiyo Ardianto, who is suspected of having close ties to a certain political network. “The Fortuner vehicle used is allegedly registered under the name of Siti Nuraeni, the younger sister of retired TNI Lieutenant General Setyo Sularso, who is the in-law of General TNI (Ret.) Andhika Perkasa, a figure in Ganjar Pranowo’s campaign team for the 2024 presidential election. This suspicion is reinforced by the presence of PDI Perjuangan politician Andi Widjajanto among the protesters,” claimed Rahmat Djimbula on Tuesday (16/6/2026). Rahmat said the connection is also strengthened by Tiyo Ardianto’s presence at a national dialogue forum scheduled to be held in Bandung on 18 June 2026 alongside several figures, such as Said Didu, Roy Suryo, Refly Harun, and Dr Tifa. “In the same forum, retired TNI Lieutenant General Setyo Sularso is also recorded as attending, indicating a network that warrants scrutiny,” he added. BEM Bersatu rejects crisis narratives that are not based on complete data. This is considered potentially diverting public focus from important agendas, such as eradicating corruption. “We regret the alleged exploitation of student actions by external parties, as has been clarified by several BEMs, including those from Jakarta State University and Unindra (Indraprasta PGRI University),” said Rahmat.